This past November, the American College of Phlebology (ACP) hosted what has become the largest and most comprehensive meeting dedicated to venous and lymphatic disorders in the U.S. Under the direction of Program Co-Chairs Lisa Amatangelo, MD, RVT, FACPh and Melvin Rosenblatt, MD, FACPh, the scientific program set the standard with innovative and engaging content, respected faculty from around the world and opportunities for all levels of skill and knowledge.
In addition to cutting-edge content, the meeting remains the largest of its kind in the U.S., drawing 1,367 total attendees, which includes 998 registrants, more than 100 faculty and 78 exhibiting companies and organizations.
“The 2015 Annual Congress was a tremendous success by any standard,” stated ACP President, Mark Forrestal, MD, FACPh. “I have been coming to the ACP Congress for a long time now and this year was the best yet. The Program Committee, volunteers and staff made this the premier meeting in vein care.”
Program highlights focused on interactivity with hands-on workshops in sclerotherapy, compression, non-thermal saphenous vein treatments and superficial venous imaging. Additional special interest sessions and pre-Congress tracks allowed attendees to target their personal education goals with topics covering basic phlebology, ultrasound, practice management, aesthetics and advanced phlebology & deep veins.
“The Program Committee developed a program which built on last year’s successful approach: allow for as much interaction with faculty as possible,” explained Lisa Amatangelo. “Our aim has always been to provide attendees with the tools that they need to improve the standard of care in their practices.”
Along with the scientific sessions, the Annual Congress also presented sessions to help providers manage insurance challenges, understand the literature in venous disease, deal with ethical challenges and learn about credentialing and accreditation.
Special Events
The Annual Congress curriculum was challenging, but the sunny atmosphere of Orlando, Florida provided a relaxed backdrop for networking and engaging with colleagues.
The 9th Annual ACPF Golf Outing kicked off the event on Wednesday with 65 players, representing vein care and industry, all with the goal of raising money for the ACP Foundation. One of the most successful events for the Foundation, the Golf Outing raised more than $50,000 for venous related research and education.
On Thursday, the inaugural ACP Foundation (ACPF) Fun Run & Walk saw 95 runners participate in a friendly 5K dash around the beautifully manicured grounds at the Hilton Bonnet Creek. In addition to camaraderie and exercise, the event raised more than $20,000.
The Foundation also raised another $50,000 through the Silent Auction, which was held on-site all three days of the conference. Attendees could bid on more than 100 items, ranging from medical devices and services to vacations to sports memorabilia.
For those not at this historic meeting, the recorded content from all three and a half days is available on the ACP’s Online Education Center. And, be sure to mark your calendars for the 30th Annual Congress - November 3-6, 2016 at the Anaheim Marriott in Anaheim, California.
